Trading Manager Review

by B&Q

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

9.2/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

Oversee the running of a £3.3 million per year decor department. Stock management, Staff rotas, setting up Campaigns/promotions. Ensuring smooth running of a busy paint mixing area. communicating with staff and peers around budgets/sales. building relationships with other stores and managers.

9/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

I have learnt a lot about myself and my behaviours. How different behaviours affect other people, and how to control my emotions. Time management skills including eisenhower matrix and eat the frog have helped plan time more effectively so i am not wasting time and delegating more.

9/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I find the programme very interesting so far and have learnt a lot about myself. Some of the skills I have been working on I have seen before but not fully used. I find the chimp paradox, and all the behavioural terms fascinating.

10/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

To start with there were a lot of emails which were a bit overwhelming trying to keep a track of everything. Doing functional skills alongside the apprenticeship is very time consuming. I'm sure as the course progresses it will become second nature and will be easier to manage

9/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

I receive some support from my unit manager, but am aware that not all the management team understand the work involved. I sometimes feel guilty for taking time out to work on things

8/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

I think I am quite old school where learning is concerned and found the remote learning a bit difficult to start with, but my trainer is always there if I need to question anything by email. I'm sure it will get easier.

10/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

I am finding that I am gaining confidence, not only in my role but life in general. I am able to plan my time better and am more aware when I am doing things that are not needed, or that can be delegated.

9/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

There aren't really any extra curricular activities at our store but I do get involved with the local Baby bank, to whom we have donated a lot as a store, including christmas present collection and ongoing toiletries donation collections.

10/10

9a. Would you recommend B&Q to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

I have been with the company 20 years. I have worked in different stores and met a lot of people in this time. Every store I have been in has had a great atmosphere and friendly supportive staff. There is a lot of knowledge and skill in these people

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to B&Q?

On the whole there is a great work ethic at B&Q. Fairly rewarded and some great benefits